How to Get a Learners Permit in Colorado

A learners permit in Colorado is a temporary and restricted form of a driver’s license issued by the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get a DMV learners permit, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and complete certain tasks such as passing a written knowledge test before getting a learners permit. Some parts of the process must be completed in person at a local office, but a learners permit online application is also available so motorists can begin part of the process before visiting a local office. Get more info on how to get a learners permit and learner permit requirements below.

Colorado Learners Drivers License Eligibility Requirements

A majority of learner permit questions involve eligibility requirements and age restrictions. In order to get a learners permit, the applicant must meet all the established requirements. For starters, to submit a DMV drivers permit application, the potential driver has to be a minimum of 15 years old. Additionally, a Colorado learners permit includes other specific age-related requirements such as the following:

15 years to 15 years and six months of age: Driver education course must have been completed within the six months prior to application.

15 years and six months to 16 years of age: A 34-hour driver education course must have been completed in the six months prior to application or a department approved pre-qualification driver aware program must have been completed.

If the applicant for a DMV learners permits is at least 16 or older, then he or she does not necessarily have to meet the requirements for learners permit credentials that applicants who are younger than 16 must adhere to. However, six hours of behind-the-wheel training is required if the motorist is getting a learners permit and is younger than age of 16 years and six months of age. Also, 12 additional hours of drive time may be substituted for required behind-the-wheel training if the applicant lives 30 or more miles away from a full-time certified driving school.

Process of Applying for a Learners Permit in Colorado

If a driver is unsure about where to get learners permit credentials, many local drivers license offices or internet services may better determine eligibility. The process to obtain a permit for driving varies slightly depending on age. However, all applicants looking to get a learners permit in Colorado must provide detailed documentation. The required paperwork must show that all required courses are completed. However, this requirement for a learners permit does not apply to underage drivers who are older than 16 years of age.

There are also some processes that getting a learners permit entails that are the same regardless of age. While a learners permit online application can be filled out by downloading and printing the form at home, the applicant will still need to visit a local office. Getting a learners permit requires that applicants complete the written test at a DMV office location if it was not done through a driver education school. Additionally, learners permit requirements further dictate that potential motorists submit an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship form (DR 2460) signed by a parent or guardian. Whether filling out an online application or visiting a local office to obtain a DMV drivers permit, the following information will need to be provided at the local office:

Identification documents: These can consist of stand-alone documents or a combination of alternative documents.

Proof of Social Security number: This can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, Non-SSA-1099 form, or pay stub that has the applicant’s name and Social Security number on it.

Parent or legal guardian who can sign Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship form: This form attests that the parent or legal guardian is responsible for the minor’s driving instruction.

Proof of current physical address in Colorado: Two different forms of proof are needed, and these can include but are not limited to first-class mail, transcript or report card from an accredited school and bank statement.

Once all required documentation has been provided and the written drivers license test has been passed, a learners drivers license is issued upon payment of the permit fee.

Colorado Learners Permit Rules and Restrictions

If a motorist holds a permit for driving and is between the ages of 15 and 16, then he or she can only drive with the individual who signed the affidavit of liability. Additionally, the driver should not be operating the motor vehicle between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.

In Colorado, there are several types of learner permits, also referred to as instruction permits. For instance, a driving instruction permit is issued to applicants under the age of 15 years and six months. Applicants older than 15 years and six months of age but younger than 16 years of age will receive a driver awareness permit. Though both expire three years after the date issued, each has slightly different rules and requirements.

The restriction for a learners permit or instruction permit is that the driver is only able to drive during daylight hours and must be accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older who holds a valid Colorado license and is riding in the passenger seat who is also authorized according to the DR 2460 form. Once a driver obtains a driver awareness permit, the rules regarding a driving learners permit change slightly, allowing for night driving with an authorized adult over the age of 21 with a valid state license. The restriction for having an authorized adult passenger lifts completely when a driver reaches 18 years of age. Additionally, any time spent driving with authorized individuals will go towards the drive hours required of a learner. Lastly, learners permit rules dictate that all minor driver licenses expire 20 days after the motorist turns 21 years old, at which time the learners permit must be replaced with a full-fledged license.